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extinguish

Definition

Extinguish means to put out a fire. You can extinguish a fire by using water, foam, chemicals, or by smothering it.

When you extinguish a fire, you are stopping the fire from burning. You do this by removing the heat, fuel, or oxygen that the fire needs to burn.

The heat of a fire is what causes the fuel to burn. If you can remove the heat from the fire, the fire will stop burning. You can remove the heat from a fire by using water, foam, or chemicals.

The fuel of a fire is the material that is burning. If you can remove the fuel from the fire, the fire will stop burning. You can remove the fuel from a fire by smothering it or by using chemicals that break down the fuel.

The oxygen in the air is also needed for a fire to burn. If you can remove the oxygen from the fire, the fire will stop burning. You can remove the oxygen from a fire by smothering it or by using chemicals that displace the oxygen.

Extinguishing a fire is an important safety skill. If you see a fire, it is important to know how to extinguish it safely.

How can the word be used?

The candle was extinguished by the wind.

extinguish

Different forms of the word

Noun: extinguishment.

Adjective: extinguishing.

Verb: to extinguish.

Synonyms: quench, put out, douse.

Etymology

The word "extinguish" comes from the Latin word extinguere, which means "to quench, to put out." It was first used in English in the 13th century, and it is still used today to refer to the act of causing something to stop burning or shining.

Question

What can be extinguished?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the process of combustion and how it leads to the extinguishing of a flame. Discuss the key factors that affect the ability to extinguish a fire and the significance of fire safety measures in various environments.

Answer:

Combustion is a chemical reaction between a fuel source and oxygen, releasing heat, light, and various products like carbon dioxide and water vapour. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, a flame is sustained, representing the visible part of the combustion process.

Extinguishing a flame occurs when one or more of the three essential components of the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, and heat) are removed or disrupted. Common fire extinguishing methods include cooling, smothering, or removing fuel. For instance, water extinguishes a fire by cooling the surrounding area, while a fire blanket smothers the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply.

Factors affecting the ability to extinguish a fire include the size and type of the fire, availability of fire-fighting equipment, and environmental conditions like wind and humidity. Proper fire safety measures, such as installing fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems, are critical in homes, workplaces, and public spaces to prevent fires from spreading and protect human lives and property. Understanding the principles of combustion and effective fire extinguishing techniques are essential aspects of fire safety education.